(File photo of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental LGU)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Northern Mindanao is revitalizing Misamis Oriental’s salt industry through innovative technologies.
DOST-10 Assistant Director Virgilio Fuertes gave the information during Tuesday’s “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum.
Fuertes said the agency has partnered with the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) to modernize traditional salt production in Alubijid town.
“While local producers have relied on sundrying since the 1980s, our new cooking and evaporation technologies will enable year-round production, even during rainy seasons,” he explained.
The initiative is part of DOST-10’s broader economic development programs in Northern Mindanao.
Under the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) program, the agency completed P19.2 million in funding last year, supporting 20 projects that benefited 30 people’s organizations.
The Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) also allocated P39.8 million to 43 enterprises, resulting in 500 new jobs.
Current monitoring shows 136 ongoing projects across the region, with 59 percent reporting combined revenues of P817.7 million and demonstrating an average income growth of 21 percent.
DOST-10 Director Romela Ratilla said the revival of the salt industry aligns with their four-pillar framework, which focuses on wealth creation, protection, sustainability, and human well-being.
“From salt production to high-tech enterprises, we’re creating sustainable livelihoods across all sectors,” Ratilla said.
The DOST plans to conduct hands-on training in Alubijid next month to demonstrate the new evaporation systems.
